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All Premier League matches next season could be played behind closed doors in extreme measures under consideration by the sports authorities.

Fans are already certain not to be present at the remaining games of this season if it does manage to resume.

And that has for some weeks looked as if it will carry over to the start of next season as the Government look to ease lockdown restrictions and social distancing guidelines, rather than allow a complete return to normality.

However The Times report that football chiefs could extend behind closed doors protocol until next May, or until a vaccine becomes readily available.

Stadiums could be without fans for the whole of next season (Image: PA)

That could still be some way off, though scientists at Oxford are expecting initial results back on their first human trials in the next six weeks.

The Government are prepared to maintain strict rules regarding social gatherings in the meantime in a bid not to experience another wave of the virus.

Such measures are paramount for safety, but are bad news for football clubs, particularly those in the lower leagues, who rely on matchday income as a main source of revenue.

A report from the Arsenal Supports Trust (AST) this week claimed that the club would lose out on approximately £144million if the whole of next season was played behind closed doors.

Despite the AST's report, Premier League clubs do receive a vast amount of their own revenue from broadcast rights, which could even increase as the demand for live sport on television becomes greater.

One challenge for broadcasters is making matches without fans more viewer-friendly.

The lack of noise and atmosphere at matches behind closed doors does not make for the most compelling viewing.

TV chiefs are now considering a number of potential options to improve fan experience, including playing simulated crowd noise or using CGI to create the illusion of supporters in the stadiums.

Forward-thinking club chiefs are also contemplating ideas to cover their shortfall in income without jeopardising the safety of fans, with hosting 'digital parties' among the options being considered.